Tokyo International News Agency

Nippon TV’s annual charity program, 24-Hour Television , is set to air a special feature on Shota Nakao, a member of the popular Japanese dance and vocal group FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE. The announcement has triggered a massive wave of emotional responses across social media. While FANTASTICS currently performs with eight active members, both the group and their fans firmly believe that Nakao remains their 'ninth member,' living on in their hearts. The upcoming broadcast will share the deep, enduring love held by the members and Nakao’s mother. Nakao was a core member from the group's inception but tragically passed away in 2018 after a battle with illness. Despite this loss, the group has consistently championed the message that they are a nine-member group, keeping his spirit alive in everything they do. Upon hearing about the special segment, fans expressed their deep emotions online, with comments like, 'It's so clear how much they still cherish Shota-kun'...

A special segment honoring Shota Nakao, the '9th member' of the Japanese dance and vocal group FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE, will air during Nippon TV's annual charity program 24-Hour Television on August 29 and 30. Titled 'To Shota Nakao, the 9th Member of FANTASTICS Who Still "Lives On"—The Message from Members and His Mother,' the announcement has sparked an emotional wave of responses across social media. Although FANTASTICS currently performs as an eight-member group, Nakao, who tragically passed away at a young age, remains an indispensable part of their identity. The group's deep bond with him is woven into various aspects of their activities—from their symbolic sunflower motif and the significance of the number '9' to their fan name 'FANTARO,' which carries a profound connection to his memory. Following the announcement, fans flooded social media with passionate comments, with many writing, 'I am definitely going to watch th...